Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) opened the doors to its new charity shop in Dursley today, Tuesday.
The new shop, which occupies the former Clifton Cameras at 28 Parsonage Street, is open from 9am to 5pm – Monday to Saturday.
The new shop is the fourth one to open this year for the charity, marking a milestone thirteenth trading shop overall. Every purchase made and every donated item will directly support GWAAC’s lifesaving mission, helping to ensure its Critical Care Team can continue to be there for those in urgent need in Gloucestershire and beyond.
GWAAC CEO Anna Perry
Nikki Yorath, whose daughter was treated by the GWAAC crew following a horse riding incident, officially opened the shop by cutting the ribbon. A committed supporter of the charity, Nikki has raised over £2,000 and regularly supports local fundraising events and community outreach in Dursley.
GWAAC’s CEO, Anna Perry, expressed her heartfelt appreciation, emphasising the significance of the charity’s presence in the heart of the community: “Today’s International Paramedics Day, and we are so excited to be opening another shop — this time in the heart of Dursley. Come on in and see us sometime. There’s loads of lovely stuff for you to browse through and buy.”
Dursley shop Manager, Sarah Bailey, also expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s been great so far, lots of local interest, and so far everyone coming in is saying what a lovely shop we’ve got. We’ve got good quality stock, and as long as we keep getting donations, I think the shop will be a busy little hub for the high street. Come and support us, see the work we do, the products we have for sale, and if you can volunteer, pop in and see me.”
In 2024, 621 people in Gloucestershire needed the help of GWAAC’s Critical Care Team, making up 27% of GWAAC’s total missions across its whole region. It was a record year for call-outs in 2024 and GWAAC was called to help around four more people each month in Gloucestershire than the previous year.
With patient numbers rising year on year, money raised by the new Dursley shop will help keep Gloucestershire’s critical care and air ambulance service operational.
If you would like to make a difference in your local area, consider volunteering in GWAAC’s Dursley shop by visiting the volunteer page on the charity’s website or contact GWAAC’s Retail Volunteer Officer, Katie, at Katie.Goolden@gwaac.com.
